Do I need a facility licence for a once-off blood pressure screening at a mall?

Yes if it is run by a healthcare provider offering a clinical service. A short-form temporary licence or an exemption letter is usually available from the province for once-off community events — apply at least 30 days in advance.

Can I run a mobile clinic under my doctor's practice number?

No. Your HPCSA number authorises you to practise. The physical facility (fixed or mobile) needs a separate licence from the province under Section 36 of the National Health Act.

How long does it take to get a temporary healthcare facility licence?

Budget 60 to 90 working days. Provinces will not fast-track without a formal disaster declaration.

What waste rules apply?

Healthcare risk waste (sharps, blood-soiled dressings, expired medicines) must be collected by a licensed operator under NEMWA and manifested in a waste register kept for 5 years.

Is the licence transferable between provinces?

No. Each province issues its own licence. A mobile clinic operating in three provinces needs three licences.

Health

Temporary Healthcare Facility Licence in South Africa

In plain English

Any private healthcare facility — a clinic, day hospital, dialysis unit, mobile screening truck or pop-up vaccination site — must be licensed by the provincial Department of Health under Section 36 of the National Health Act 61 of 2003. A temporary facility licence covers short-term operations such as outreach campaigns, disaster response, screening drives and event medical posts.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

NPOs, private practices, occupational health providers, mining and construction health teams, mobile clinics and event medical service providers who plan to run a healthcare facility for a limited period.

When is it required

Before you open the doors of any temporary clinic, mobile unit, screening site or pop-up vaccination centre where a healthcare service is delivered to the public.

Eligibility

The responsible practitioner is registered with the HPCSA, SANC or relevant statutory council
The premises or mobile unit meets the Norms and Standards Regulations (R1519 of 2018)
Waste disposal is contracted to a licensed healthcare risk waste operator
A quality assurance and infection prevention plan is in place

Documents you need before applying

Certified copies of the ID and practising certificates of the responsible health professional(s)
Company or NPO registration documents (CIPC / NPO)
Site plan of the facility or specifications of the mobile unit
Written permission for the site from the landowner or municipality
Municipal zoning certificate confirming health use is permitted
Environmental Health Officer clearance (water, waste, ventilation)
Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) plan and healthcare waste contract
Fire safety clearance from the local fire department
Completed provincial Department of Health facility licence application form
Proof of professional indemnity insurance

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Confirm the licence class
Contact your provincial Department of Health Licensing Unit. Temporary facilities are usually licensed as Class B (day clinic) or Class M (mobile). The class determines fees, staffing and infrastructure requirements.
2
Prepare the compliance pack
Assemble your site plan, IPC plan, waste contract, fire and EHO clearances, and staff registration proofs. Missing documents are the number one reason licences are refused.
3
Submit the application
Lodge the application with the Provincial Licensing Officer. Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN accept email submissions; other provinces require hand delivery.
4
Pass the site inspection
A Provincial Health Inspector visits the facility to verify infrastructure, waste flow, medicine storage and staff competencies against R1519.
5
Receive the temporary licence
The licence is issued as a signed certificate specifying the address, licensed activities and expiry date. Display it in a visible public area of the facility.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

Provincial Department of Health — Facility Licensing Unit in the province where the facility will operate.

Fees

Provincial application fee (approximately R1 500–R6 000 depending on class) plus annual licence fee. Mobile units are typically at the lower end.

Processing time

60–90 working days including inspection. Apply at least 3 months in advance.

Validity

Typically 6 to 12 months for temporary facilities, renewable on reapplication.

Renewal

Submit a renewal application 60 days before expiry with updated staff, IPC and waste documents. A follow-up inspection is common.

Common mistakes to avoid

Operating a mobile clinic under a doctor's private practice number — the facility itself must be licensed
Skipping the municipal zoning certificate — the DoH will not proceed without it
Using a general waste contractor instead of a licensed healthcare risk waste operator
Under-staffing the facility — R1519 sets minimum nursing and doctor ratios

Tips to speed up your application

Book the EHO and fire inspections early — they are the slowest steps
Ask the provincial licensing officer for the current inspection checklist and self-audit against it before applying
For outreach campaigns funded by donors, budget the licence and waste contract into the project from day one

Official sources

Always confirm the latest requirements and fees on the official website before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Health · Permit

Temporary Medical Practice Permit

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